when jimmy carter could not rescue american hostages in iran, that was what cost and the presidency. president reagan tried to negotiate terrorist -- with terrorists. the hostage trading for arms. he said he did not do it, but in effect, that's what it looked like. this is very dangerous territory politically. one thing there really starting is the necessity of saying we will trade those two hostages. a man who probably is the most defies -- despised terrrist planner. lou: but also, a trade that has never been specifically rule the but as a ministration. they have not said categorically that it would not occur. >> i thought that was interesting. the statement today from the state department press spokesman , we don't negotiate with terrorists. no one has the following question, can you assure us that we will never trade for any kind of hostage situation? that has not been ruled out. i sure hope that in the confirmation hearings we have next week, the next two weeks with a new cabinet officers, that question will be asked. lou: and troubling statement by the secretary of state today,